Sergio Aguero took umbrage with the claims of coach Jorge Sampaoli after Argentina crashed to a 3-0 loss to Croatia at the World Cup.

After a disappointing 1-1 draw with Iceland in their opener, the Albiceleste imploded in Nizhny Novgorod, leaving their last 16 hopes hanging by a thread.

Second half goals from Ante Rebic, Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic handed the European side a deserved victory, to book their second round place.

Under-fire Sampaoli, who made a number of tactical and personnel changes following the weekend, claimed responsibility for the defeat, declaring “the key to the defeat was in my decisions.”

Aguero made little impression before he was hooked (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Sampaoli declared: "Everything that happens to the team has to do with the manager, the project did not prosper and it was very difficult for the players to stand out.

"I was very hopeful, I have a lot of pain because of the defeat, and I certainly did not read the game correctly. The key to the defeat was in my decisions."

Sampaoli's job is now under threat (Image: FIFA)

However, when it was put to Aguero by a presenter on TyC Sports that Sampaoli had claimed the players had failed to adapt to his tactics, Aguero - substituted in the 54th minute - hit back: "Let him say what he wants.”

Aguero would then walk off bringing the interview to an end.

Aguero had scored in the opener (Image: 2018 Getty Images)

Aguero had earlier claimed that amid the despair Argentina retain hope of being able to reach the knockout stages.

"I feel anger and sadness, although there is still a chance," Aguero said.

"Now we depend on others but there is still hope, a miracle. Let's see what happens in the match between Nigeria and Iceland. We have to wait and try to beat Nigeria."